Meteorological authorities in east China's Fujian province say the third tropical storm this year, Linfa, is moving towards the Chinese mainland.

The storm formed in the South China Sea Thursday afternoon, and as of 7 pm Friday, was reported about 590 kilometers from Zhao'an County in eastern Fujian Province, and 500 kilometers from Shantou in Guangdong Province.

Wind speed at the eye of the storm was 20 meters per second. Fujian has issued a warning as Linfa is expected to unleash gales and high waves along the coast and in the Taiwan Straits.

Torrential rain is also forecast in southern parts of the province and Guangdong province over the weekend.

Flood control headquarters in Fujian has ordered local governments to closely monitor the movement of the storm, keep ships informed, and tighten management of reservoirs.

Meanwhile, meteorological authorities in Guangdong province are warning that storms of this type are changeable, and that Linfa might speed up or shift course.

(CCTV June 22, 2009)